Counselor Jobs at Youth Villages with Visa Sponsorship
Counselor jobs at Youth Villages sit at the intersection of behavioral health, residential care, and family services, drawing candidates with degrees in social work, psychology, and counseling. Youth Villages has a track record of sponsoring international professionals for this function across multiple visa categories.
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Get Access To All JobsFor over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Program Overview:
Youth Villages provides intensive in-home services for youth ages 12 to 17 through Multisystemic Therapy (MST®), an evidence-based therapeutic model designed to support adjudicated youth—adolescents who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system—and their families. MST focuses on the multiple systems that influence a young person’s behavior, including their family, peer group, school, and community. Family Counselors work directly with the youth and caregivers in the home, school, and community settings and are available 24/7 to provide therapeutic and crisis support.
The primary goal of MST is to equip caregivers with effective tools to manage challenging behaviors, reduce the risk of out-of-home placement, and promote lasting positive change. Specific objectives include improving school attendance and academic performance, decreasing substance use, enhancing prosocial connections, and strengthening family functioning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The MST Family Counselor:
- Carries a caseload of 4 to 5 families
- Holds individual and family sessions with each family 3 times a week, scheduled at the convenience of the families
- Conducts multi-systemic therapy (MST) assessments that include identifying and engaging key participants, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses, and developing an analysis of the fit of problem behaviors within the ecological context
- Engages primary caregivers and other key participants in active change-oriented treatment by identifying/overcoming barriers and maintains alignment while receiving services
- Provides direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with MST principles and practices
- Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
- Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills
- Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
- Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.
- Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
- Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.
Salary
$62,000 - $70,000 / salary based on education and clinical license
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401 (k)
- 2 weeks paid vacation
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Qualifications
It is Youth Villages’ policy to hire candidates that meet one of the following levels of education and experience:
Bachelor’s Degree Applicant Qualifications:
- Must possess degree at time of application.
- Degree must be in a clinical field of study.
- Must have two years of full-time clinical experience (4,000 hours) with designated population.
Master’s Degree Applicant Qualifications:
- Must possess degree at time of application.
- Degree must be in a clinical field of study.
- Must have one year of full-time clinical experience (2,000 hours) with designated population.
Clinical Licensed Applicant Qualifications:
- Must hold one of the following licenses in the state of North Carolina: LCMHC-A, LMFT-A, LCSW-A, or LCAS-A.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Basic computer knowledge
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Program Overview:
Youth Villages provides intensive in-home services for youth ages 12 to 17 through Multisystemic Therapy (MST®), an evidence-based therapeutic model designed to support adjudicated youth—adolescents who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system—and their families. MST focuses on the multiple systems that influence a young person’s behavior, including their family, peer group, school, and community. Family Counselors work directly with the youth and caregivers in the home, school, and community settings and are available 24/7 to provide therapeutic and crisis support.
The primary goal of MST is to equip caregivers with effective tools to manage challenging behaviors, reduce the risk of out-of-home placement, and promote lasting positive change. Specific objectives include improving school attendance and academic performance, decreasing substance use, enhancing prosocial connections, and strengthening family functioning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The MST Family Counselor:
- Carries a caseload of 4 to 5 families
- Holds individual and family sessions with each family 3 times a week, scheduled at the convenience of the families
- Conducts multi-systemic therapy (MST) assessments that include identifying and engaging key participants, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses, and developing an analysis of the fit of problem behaviors within the ecological context
- Engages primary caregivers and other key participants in active change-oriented treatment by identifying/overcoming barriers and maintains alignment while receiving services
- Provides direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with MST principles and practices
- Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
- Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills
- Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
- Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.
- Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
- Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.
Salary
$62,000 - $70,000 / salary based on education and clinical license
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401 (k)
- 2 weeks paid vacation
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Qualifications
It is Youth Villages’ policy to hire candidates that meet one of the following levels of education and experience:
Bachelor’s Degree Applicant Qualifications:
- Must possess degree at time of application.
- Degree must be in a clinical field of study.
- Must have two years of full-time clinical experience (4,000 hours) with designated population.
Master’s Degree Applicant Qualifications:
- Must possess degree at time of application.
- Degree must be in a clinical field of study.
- Must have one year of full-time clinical experience (2,000 hours) with designated population.
Clinical Licensed Applicant Qualifications:
- Must hold one of the following licenses in the state of North Carolina: LCMHC-A, LMFT-A, LCSW-A, or LCAS-A.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Basic computer knowledge
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
See all 36+ Counselor Jobs at Youth Villages
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Counselor Jobs at Youth Villages.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Counselor Jobs at Youth Villages
Align your credentials to state licensure requirements
Youth Villages counselors often work in settings requiring state-level licensure or supervision hours. Before applying, confirm your foreign degree meets the equivalency standard for the state you're targeting, since USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation claims closely for counseling roles.
Target open roles across multiple Youth Villages states
Youth Villages operates residential and community programs across many states. Applying broadly across locations increases your chances, since sponsorship decisions are made at the hiring manager level and vary by how urgently a specific program needs to fill a counselor vacancy.
Clarify your OPT or CPT authorization early in interviews
If you're on F-1 status, bring up your work authorization timeline proactively. Youth Villages has sponsored F-1 OPT and CPT candidates for counselor roles, so knowing your exact OPT end date helps the recruiter assess whether an H-1B cap-gap or bridge arrangement is feasible.
Understand the Labor Condition Application timeline
Before Youth Villages can file your H-1B petition, DOL must certify a Labor Condition Application confirming the offered wage meets the prevailing wage for counselors in your work location. This step alone can take one to two weeks, so factor it into your start date negotiations.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Youth Villages counselor postings by visa type
Youth Villages posts counselor vacancies across multiple channels, but not all list sponsorship availability. Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for Youth Villages roles open to sponsored candidates, saving time you'd otherwise spend screening postings that don't apply to your situation.
Prepare documentation showing direct client-facing behavioral health experience
Youth Villages counselors are evaluated on hands-on experience with youth in crisis, residential, or family therapy settings. Bring case logs, supervision records, or practicum documentation to interviews, as these directly support both the job offer and the specialty occupation argument in your visa petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Youth Villages sponsor H-1B visas for Counselors?
Yes, Youth Villages sponsors H-1B visas for Counselor roles. Because counseling positions require a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as social work, psychology, or counseling, they generally qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards. Your degree field needs to align closely with the specific role you're offered, not just the broad counseling function.
How do I apply for Counselor jobs at Youth Villages?
Applications go through Youth Villages' careers portal directly. When reaching out, be upfront about your visa status in your cover letter or early in the screening call. Hiring managers at Youth Villages make sponsorship decisions program by program, so connecting with a recruiter who oversees your target state or service line moves the process along faster than relying on the portal alone. Migrate Mate also aggregates Youth Villages counselor postings and filters them by sponsorship availability.
Which visa types does Youth Villages commonly use for Counselor roles?
Youth Villages sponsors H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, TN visa, and J-1 visas for Counselor positions. F-1 OPT is common for recent graduates in social work or counseling programs. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying counseling-related occupational categories. J-1 is used for exchange visitor arrangements. H-1B is the most common long-term sponsored pathway once other temporary authorizations are exhausted.
What qualifications does Youth Villages expect for sponsored Counselor candidates?
Youth Villages typically expects a bachelor's degree at minimum in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related behavioral health field. Many roles require or strongly prefer direct experience working with at-risk youth, families in crisis, or residents in therapeutic or group home settings. Candidates pursuing H-1B sponsorship need a degree field that maps specifically to the job duties, since USCIS evaluates that relationship closely for counseling occupations.
How do I plan my timeline around Youth Villages sponsoring my H-1B?
H-1B cap filings open in March for an October 1 start date, meaning if you receive an offer outside that window you may need to bridge on OPT cap-gap or another status. Youth Villages will need to complete a DOL Labor Condition Application before filing with USCIS. Build at least two to three months of lead time between your offer acceptance and your intended start date to accommodate both steps without gaps in authorization.